FINISHES
Your choice of finish is going to determine how the wood looks and what kind of maintenance will be required long term to keep it looking sharp. In the end its a conversation you should have with your installer, but we have a strong preference for oil based finishes, at least as the first coat. Oils bring out the natural beauty and luster of the wood's color and figure.
PENETRATING OILS
These soak into the wood, with subsequent coats building up protective layers. More of a natural, old-style look than polyurethane finishes. Easy to re-apply and touch up in heavy traffic areas, but you may have to touch up more often. Look for brands like Waterlox Tung Oil, Daly's Floor Fin or for a low voc alternative, OS Hardwax Oil.
POLYURETHANE
Either oil or water based, very commonly used these days, tough and will hold up well, but when you want to re-finish you will have to do the whole floor. Water base poly over a well cured Oil base poly is a good way to combine low voc while getting the luster of oil.
SWEDISH OR ACID CURED FINISHES
Trade name is Glitsa, it's a very tough, maybe the toughest finish out there. Brings out the color like oil finishes. Must be professionally applied, very toxic while it cures. Many installers will no longer use this finish. Plan to be out of the house for a few days to a week.
Your choice of finish is going to determine how the wood looks and what kind of maintenance will be required long term to keep it looking sharp. In the end its a conversation you should have with your installer, but we have a strong preference for oil based finishes, at least as the first coat. Oils bring out the natural beauty and luster of the wood's color and figure.
PENETRATING OILS
These soak into the wood, with subsequent coats building up protective layers. More of a natural, old-style look than polyurethane finishes. Easy to re-apply and touch up in heavy traffic areas, but you may have to touch up more often. Look for brands like Waterlox Tung Oil, Daly's Floor Fin or for a low voc alternative, OS Hardwax Oil.
POLYURETHANE
Either oil or water based, very commonly used these days, tough and will hold up well, but when you want to re-finish you will have to do the whole floor. Water base poly over a well cured Oil base poly is a good way to combine low voc while getting the luster of oil.
SWEDISH OR ACID CURED FINISHES
Trade name is Glitsa, it's a very tough, maybe the toughest finish out there. Brings out the color like oil finishes. Must be professionally applied, very toxic while it cures. Many installers will no longer use this finish. Plan to be out of the house for a few days to a week.